UA Preview — Feb. 23-March 1, 2026

BEST BETS

UA Wiregrass Hub to Support Water Research

The University of Alabama will increase its presence in southeastern Alabama with the UA Wiregrass Hub, a facility supporting research and economic development, student recruitmentand community partnerships.

Why This Matters: The new facility will house the Critical Response and Information Management System for Operational Needs, or CRIMSON, Water Initiative, a program to provide access to UA's water-related expertise for communities across southeast Alabama. The CRIMSON Water Initiative will use data analysis and forecasting tools to help communities prepare for and rapidly respond to floods, droughts and other water-related challenges.

For more information, contact Alex House at [email protected].

Construction on ROTC Facility, Student Veterans Center to Begin

UA is continuing its longstanding commitment to provide resources for students training to be part of our nation's armed forces and those who have already served with the construction of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps Facility and Student Veterans Center.

Why This Matters: The center will give Army and Air Force ROTC cadets access to a modern training facility that meets updated military training and testing standards. The facility will also offer a space to enhance resources for veterans on campus.

For more information, contact Alex House at [email protected].

Search Opens for VP for Community Impact

UA has started its search for a vice president for community impact.

Why This Matters: The vice president for community impact serves as the University's executive leader responsible for leading strategy for forging meaningful partnerships with local communities, statewide leaders and national organizations. Working side-by-side with academic and administrative leadership, the vice president will align the University's strengths with real-world needs, ensuring its work makes a measurable difference across Alabama and beyond.

For more information, contact Alex House at [email protected].

UA Launches College Readiness Programs

UA is providing Alabama high school students new immersive, dedicated support and direction as they prepare for college.

Why This Matters: Crimson Compass offers two distinct programs: Tide to Success, a self-paced, online course that explores college planning fundamentals which will be offered at no cost to Alabama residents; and UA ACTivate, a new experiential summer program offering an early glimpse of life as a student at the Capstone. Both programs include an ACT test preparation component so participants can confidently prepare for the college admissions process.

For more information, contact Alex House at [email protected].

UA Nursing Expands to Address Statewide Shortage

UA has unveiled a transformative plan to double the enrollment of the Capstone College of Nursing and graduate more than 550 new nurses every year through its on-campus bachelor's program. The expansion, developed in close partnership with The University of Alabama System and the UAB Health System, mobilizes the combined strength of these institutions and statewide leaders to address the state's most pressing health care workforce challenge. When complete, this strategic growth initiative will position UA as one of the nation's largest nursing programs.

Why This Matters: Alabama faces one of the most severe nursing shortages in the nation. According to the Alabama Board of Nursing, approximately 39,000 nurses indicated retirement plans by 2027, leaving a projected statewide shortage of 14,000 nurses.

For more information, contact Alex House at [email protected].

EVENTS

Tuscaloosa Innovation Community Business Plan Competition

Feb. 26; The EDGE

UA Online Invitational

Feb. 27-28; Stran-Hardin Arena

UA Museums' John S. Steiner Endowed Lecture Series

Feb. 28; Math and Science Education Building Room 1001

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The University of Alabama strives to remain neutral on public policy issues. Strategic Communications may facilitate interviews or share opinions expressed by faculty, staff, students, or other individuals regarding policy matters. However, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its leadership, and do not constitute a statement on behalf of the University unless explicitly designated.